And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

MATTHEW 24:19KJV
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Matthew 24:19 (KJV)

What does Matthew 24:19 mean?

Matthew 24:19 expresses sorrow for pregnant women and nursing mothers during a coming time of great trouble, warning that their situation will be especially difficult. Jesus is highlighting that certain people will face even greater hardship when these predicted events unfold.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about future distress and upheaval, often understood as the destruction of Jerusalem or a time of great tribulation. He singles out those who are pregnant or caring for infants, recognizing that their vulnerability will make escape and survival much harder. This shows Jesus’ awareness of the practical and human challenges people would face in such a crisis.

The Greek behind Matthew 24:19

  • The word "woe" (οὐαί, ouai) is a strong expression of grief or distress, not just a warning but a heartfelt lament over the suffering to come.
  • "With child" (ἐν γαστρὶ, en gastri) literally means "in the womb," referring to women who are pregnant, emphasizing their physical vulnerability.
  • "Give suck" (θηλάζουσαι, thēlazousai) describes women who are nursing infants, highlighting the added difficulty for mothers with very young children.
  • The phrase "in those days" (ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις, en ekeinais tais hēmerais) points to a specific, future period of distress, connecting this warning to the larger context of coming tribulation.

Why Matthew 24:19 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Jesus’ warnings were only general; He specifically acknowledges the extra hardship certain groups would face.
  • Matthew 24:19 reveals Jesus’ compassion and realism, showing He is attentive to the real-life struggles people endure in times of crisis.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by emphasizing the severity and universality of the coming troubles, making the urgency of Jesus’ warnings more personal and concrete.

Where else these words appear

“suck” Greek G2337 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 21:16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?
  • Mark 13:17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
  • Luke 21:23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.

“child” Greek G1064 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
  • Mark 13:17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

“woe” Greek G3759 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 11:21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
  • Mark 13:17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
  • Luke 17:1 Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!